The Department of Environment and Science has extended the deadline until 30 April for comments on the plan to ban single-use plastics.
The public consultation program was due to close on 15 April, but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic it was decided an extension was warranted.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leeanne Enoch said she was delighted with the initial response of more than 1,500 submissions.
“We want everyone’s voice to be heard, and we recognise that in these unprecedented times responding to the Coronavirus health and economic crisis has taken priority, with so many businesses changing the way they operate,” Ms Enoch said.
She said the submissions received so far indicated strong support for a ban on single-use plastics.
“We are giving Queenslanders more time to tell us the impact that such a ban would have on their business and their lifestyle,” the Minister said.
“Importantly, we are committed to ensuring that the needs of people with a disability and the aged care sector are taken into account.”
Chair of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council, Sharon Boyce said many within the disability community relied heavily on straws.
“This is a conversation our community welcomes — how those of us with high needs can find a practical solution to plastic straws,” Ms Boyce said.
“We are also concerned about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and we support measures that will reduce environmental destruction.”
